Tough draw for GHS in quarterfinals

David Fierro

Updated 12:02 am, Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Photo: Keelin Daly

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Shawn Dunster and teammates gather as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

Shawn Dunster and teammates gather as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 2 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 3 of 44

Coach Rich Albonizio talks to his team including captains, from left, Alex McMurray, Joe Kelly and Taylor Olmstead as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

Coach Rich Albonizio talks to his team including captains, from left, Alex McMurray, Joe Kelly and Taylor Olmstead as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

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Coach Rich Albonizio talks to his team including captains, from left, Alex McMurray, Joe Kelly and Taylor Olmstead as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

Coach Rich Albonizio talks to his team including captains, from left, Alex McMurray, Joe Kelly and Taylor Olmstead as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 5 of 44

Coach Rich Albonizio talks to his team including captains, from left, Alex McMurray, Joe Kelly and Taylor Olmstead as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

Coach Rich Albonizio talks to his team including captains, from left, Alex McMurray, Joe Kelly and Taylor Olmstead as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 6 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

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Coach Rich Albonizio hugs senior player Emmett Odegard as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

Coach Rich Albonizio hugs senior player Emmett Odegard as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

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Coach Rich Albonizio hugs player Nick Spano as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

Coach Rich Albonizio hugs player Nick Spano as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

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Joe Kelly hugs teammate Nick Spano as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

Joe Kelly hugs teammate Nick Spano as the Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

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Coach Rich Albonizio congratulates player Pat Callahan as seniors wrap up their time with the football program after the Greenwich High School football team held its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

Coach Rich Albonizio congratulates player Pat Callahan as seniors wrap up their time with the football program after the Greenwich High School football team held its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

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The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 12 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 13 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 14 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 15 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 16 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled.

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 18 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 19 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 20 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 21 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 22 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 23 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 24 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 25 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 26 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 27 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 28 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 29 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 30 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 31 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 32 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 33 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 34 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 35 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 36 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 37 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 38 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 39 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 40 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 41 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 42 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

Image 43 of 44

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of the football program, burning their shoes demonstrates that their shoes can never be filled. less

The Greenwich High School football team holds its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at the school in Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 2012. The tradition is meant to symbolize the transition of seniors out of ... more

Photo: Keelin Daly

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Tough draw for GHS in quarterfinals

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Minnesota Vikings veteran center John Sullivan was a sophomore and standout Steve Longo was carrying the ball for Greenwich High's Wing-T offense the last time it played Xavier in the Class LL semifinals in 2000.

The two perennial contenders haven't even met in a scrimmage since the Cardinals posted a 24-8 win over the Falcons en route to winning the Class LL championship in 2000.

That will change in a big way Tuesday, as third-seeded, two-time defending champion Xavier will host sixth-seeded Greenwich in the quarterfinal round of the CIAC Class LL Tournament at Palmer Field in Middletown.

"It's a rare matchup, the only time we played Xavier was in the semifinals in 2000," Greenwich coach Rich Albonizio said. "We ran the Wing-T back then and ran the ball really well and they ran it well too. Both teams have changed a little bit since then."

Though the Cardinals and Falcons' style of play may differ from when they last faced each other, they have produced similar results. Xavier (9-1) enters the 6:30 p.m. showdown intent on continuing its reign of supremacy in Class LL, while Greenwich (8-1) hopes to make its mark in its first appearance in the state playoffs since it won the LL title in 2007.

More Information

What: No. 3 Greenwich (8-1) at No. 6 Xavier (9-1) in Class LL quarterfinals
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
When: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
State titles: Greenwich -- The Cardinals have won seven LL championships, the last of which came in 2007.
Xavier -- The Falcons have claimed four state titles, including the last two LL championships.
Playoff record -- Xavier 8-2; Greenwich 16-5

"It's nice to be back in the state playoffs, I'm very happy for our players," said Albonizio, whose squad runs a spread offense these days. "They don't have to keep hearing people saying, `It's been years since you've been in the state playoffs,' it's great to be back in there."

Greenwich, which is coming off a 48-30 loss to rival Staples in the FCIAC championship game on Thanksgiving, got a tough quarterfinal round draw. Xavier, the SCC Division I West Division champion, cruised to a 41-12 win over Middletown on Thanksgiving and has won 22 of its last 23 games dating back to last season. The Falcons, who beat Staples, 42-7, in last season's Class LL final, suffered its lone loss when undefeated Daniel Hand upended them last month, 40-20.

"Their quarterback has a rifle for an arm, their offensive line is big and they're a very good team," Albonizio said. "But if we play our best, we could beat them. We can play with anybody if we play our best. We didn't bring our best game against Staples and we still had a shot to win the game in the fourth quarter. We had a lot of opportunities and in big games like this, you have to take advantage of them."

"Their quarterback is impressive," Albonizio said. "It's important for us to put pressure on him and stop their running game. Their offensive line is big like Staples."

The Falcons' ground attack is powered by DeAngelo Berry. The senior has made the end zone his second home this season, scoring 27 touchdowns while amassing 1,275 yards (top 20 in the state). Junior Andrew Meoli (304 yards) and Boyle have also contributed to Xavier's potent running game. Defensively, the Falcons are paced by junior defensive back Nate Gonzalez (six interceptions), senior linebacker Matt Manzione and senior linebacker Charlton Ortega.

Greenwich's practice Monday concluded in special fashion.

The team held its annual "Burning of the Shoes" ceremony at Cardinal Stadium -- a practice symbolizing how no one can ever fill the shoes of the team's graduating seniors.

Albonizio first took part in the ceremony as a player at Port Chester (N.Y.) High under coach Mike Ornato, who also enjoyed a successful coaching stint with the Cardinals.

"It's tough to say goodbye to kids, some of whom you've coached for three years," Albonizio said. "It's been a great learning experience for all of us. This is a great group of seniors."